Localization of serine racemase and its role in the skin.

D-serine is an endogenous coagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptor in the central nervous system and its synthesis is catalyzed by serine racemase (SR). Recently, the NMDA receptor has been found to be expressed in keratinocytes (KCs) of the skin and involved in the regulation of KC growth and differentiation. However, the localization and role of SR in the skin remain unknown.

Isolation of mesenchymal stem cells from human dermis.

Recent studies revealed that mammalian dermis contains multipotent stem cells such as skin-derived precursors (SKPs). SKPs grow in suspension as spheres. In contrast, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adherent fibroblastic cells.

Ryanodine receptors are expressed in epidermal keratinocytes and associated with keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal permeability barrier homeostasis.

Ryanodine receptors (RyRs) have an important role as calcium channels in the regulation of intracellular calcium levels in the nervous system and muscle. In the present study, we investigated the expression of RyR in human epidermis. Immunohistochemical studies and reverse transcription-PCR indicated the expression of RyR type 1, 2, and 3 proteins in epidermal keratinocytes.

Identification of novel hair-growth inducers by means of connectivity mapping.

The aim of this study was to identify novel inducers of hair growth using gene expression profiling at various stages of hair-growth induction. First, we analyzed gene expression at the onset of hair growth in mice induced by cyclosporin A (CsA), a well-known hair-growth inducer, using DNA microarray analysis. The results unveiled genes involved in the step-by-step progression of hair growth, including increases in melanin biosynthesis and decreases in immune response at d 2 and the subsequent stimulation of cell proliferation at d 4, followed by the up-regulation of hair specific keratins at d 7 after CsA treatment.